Finance or Lease?

A lot of people cant afford or don't want to pay cash for a new or used vehicle. That's why here at Interstate Hyundai we want to help you make the right choice when it comes to your next purchase!

Benefits of Leasing a Car

Leasing a car is similar to financing the purchase of the car in many ways, but there are some key differences. You might be able to get more car for less money by leasing. That's because a car loan is based on the full price of a new car, while a lease is based on only a percentage of the car's price. For example, on a $30,000 car, you'd finance the entire $30,000 purchase price with a car loan. With a car lease, you only pay the difference between the car's price and what it's expected to be worth at the end of the lease, which is a car's residual value. So if the car's residual value is 55 percent after three years, for example, that means the $30,000 car would be worth $16,500 at the end of the lease. You'd make lease payments on the remaining $13,500 and not the full $30,000.

If you only have a small down payment saved up, leasing may also be better for you. Many car leases require anywhere from $0 to several thousand dollars up front, though the down payment is negotiable. Many advertised lease offers will promote low payments, but require a sizeable down payment. If you want to put as little down as possible, remember that your monthly lease payments will be higher.

Many leases last about three years, which is typically the length of many new-car bumper-to-bumper warranties. That means the car is usually covered under warranty for repairs for the duration of the lease. You still need to maintain the car, though, which includes oil changes, tire rotations and recommended maintenance from the manufacturer. Failure to properly maintain the car during the lease can result in fees when you turn the car in at the end of the lease.

If you enjoy having the newest high-tech features, leasing could be the better choice for you. Since you'd be leasing every few years, each new car you lease will have the latest and greatest technology and safety features. With a leased car, you don't have to worry about selling the car or getting a good price for your trade-in. When the lease is up, you can simply turn in the car and walk away.

Benefits of Buying a Car

If you like to keep your vehicle as long as possible, buying is probably better for you. When you buy, you own the car when the loan is paid off. Until the car loan is paid off, the lender owns the vehicle. As you continue to make loan payments, you're gaining equity in the vehicle. Once you're done paying off the loan, the car is yours - you own it and don't have to include a monthly car payment in your budget. That's a significant benefit because it means that over several years of not having a payment, you could save money compared to someone who has to keep leasing a new car every three years.

One of the biggest benefits that buying has over leasing is that there are no mileage restrictions. If you do a lot of driving, buying is probably better for you.

When it comes to buying and leasing, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider your budget, driving needs, lifestyle and credit history before you decide whether to buy or lease. There are auto lenders who can provide you with financing that works best for you, no matter whether you decide to buy or lease your next vehicle.